Learn-to-Swim Training Device

ABSTRACT

A swim training flotation device system includes two oblong inflatable bags connected to a belt worn about a swimmer&#39;s waist. The swim training flotation device allows swimmers to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position and from a prone position to a supine position without adjustment of the device. In addition, the device does not inhibit a swimmer&#39;s arm stroke and the device promotes a neutral swimming position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/979,432, filed Feb. 21, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to personal flotation devices and, in particular, to personal flotation devices used with beginners' swimming instruction.

Description of the Related Art

Unlike quadrupeds, such as dogs and horses, which naturally float in a horizontal position and are able to propel themselves in the water using the same motor motions as on land, i.e. “doggy paddle,” the natural floating position for humans is vertical and the learned motor skills on land for running and walking are of no benefit in the water. Accordingly, swim instructors first teach beginner swimmers to move from their natural vertical floating position to a horizontal swimming position before they can teach beginner swimmers how to swim. Because the change in position is away from the natural vertical floating position, the change is frightening to most beginner swimmers. Once beginner swimmers take a horizontal position, the swimming instructor can teach the beginner how to swim. And, once the beginner swimmer knows rudimentarily how to swim, the swimmer no longer fears the water and moves without worry from the vertical position to the horizontal position.

Buoyancy flotation devices have been known to assist humans in learning to swim for thousands of years. Since at least 1901, a variety of inflatable “water wings” or “floaties” intended to facilitate learning to swim, for both children and adults, have been on the market. The early devices were made of textile fabric and were relatively airtight. Some were cumbersome to wear, only permitted the user to be in one position, either on the back, stomach or vertically in the water, and some could be unintentionally detached. In addition, many prior-art devices limited a swimmer's freedom of movement and prevented swimmers from practicing proper strokes. In addition, many of the prior-art designs were not comfortable to be worn, which limited the duration of training sessions and inhibited widespread adoption.

German patent application DE102004013848A1 to Braunlich (hereinafter Braunlich '848) describes, “Buoyancy Belt for Person Learning to Swim has Strap Passing Round Swimmer's Body and through Loops in Sides of Twin Buoyancy Bags Inflated with Air.” The buoyancy belt described in Braunlich '848 has the following shortcomings. The shape of the “cushions” and the attachments of the cushions to the belt do not enable the wearer to turn from front to back positions. The attachments of the cushions to the belt do not hold the cushions securely and allow the cushions to twist. The tie belt can be unintentionally released permitting a child swimmer to slip out of the device. The device cannot be used in a vertical position to teach vertical swimming as needed for water sports like water polo and synchronized swimming.

U.S. Pat. No. 673,672 to Ayvad (hereinafter, Ayvad '672) describes a, “Life-preserver.”

U.S. Pat. No. D35,550 to Ayvad (hereinafter, Ayvad '550) describes a, “Design for a Life-Preserver Body.” The disclosed design is for a life preserver.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,132,346 to Holroyd (hereinafter, Holroyd '346) describes, “Water-wings.” Holroyd '346 made minor design changes and was sold as improvement that attaches to the front of a swimming suit to prevent the water wings from slipping from a person unable to swim. The purpose of Holroyd '346 is to allow a person unable to swim, to enjoy the water in safety: something like wearing a life-vest, but less intrusive. The attachment to the front of the suit became obsolete in the 1930s, when women no longer used the bloomer costumes and men began wearing trunks.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,262,296 to Alther (hereinafter, Alther '296) describes, “Water-wings.”

U.S. Pat. No. D149,579 to Messing (hereinafter, Messing '579) describes, “Inflatable Swim Support or Similar Article.” The disclosed article is only useful for swimming or floating on the stomach as the floats were designed to be attached on the back of the user. To prevent users from slipping out, the article includes an adjustable strap that attaches the two wings across the back of the user. The article and attachment mechanism cannot be used to teach swimmers in the prone, supine, and upright positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,810,556 to Frank (hereinafter, Frank '556) describes, “Water Wings.”

U.S. Pat. No. 2,898,610 to Chamberlain (hereinafter, Chamberlain '610) describes, “Swimming Buoy or Apparatus.” The buoy is inflatable. The buoy is secured by a belt to the user's back. The buoy cannot rotate relative to the swimmer because it is seated against the swimmer's back.

Ultimately, the prior art including devices, like “floaties”, “water wings”, and inflatables that are worn over the biceps or swim buoys, which are strapped to the back of the child, or flotation added under the chest is that they prevent the swimmer from obtaining a horizontal, or natural, swimming position in the water.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a learn-to-swim training device that overcomes the disadvantages of the devices of this general type and of the prior art.

A further object of the invention is to provide a learn-to-swim training device that can help both children and adults, able bodied and disabled, to learn to swim, or otherwise enjoy the health benefits of water immersion or aquatic therapy by buoying the wearer comfortably with full freedom of movement in a balanced horizontal swimming or floating position on the back or stomach, or even vertically in the water.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an instrumentality that promulgates learning-to-swim, swimming, safety, and training in aquatic endeavors by lowering the center of buoyancy from the lung area lower down the body towards the stomach. This manipulation of the center of buoyancy enables the wearer to easily maintain a horizontal-floating or swimming position in the water, rather than the natural vertical floating position of the human body.

A further object of the invention is to a training device that enables a non-swimmer to have a freedom of movement and comfort.

A further object of the invention is to provide a training device that has a shape that allows the following objects to be achieved.

-   -   1. The training device is easy to use and fits snugly and         comfortably on the user.     -   2. The training device's shape and configuration enables a         wearer to feel safe and secure while floating.     -   3. The device permits the user to move his or her arms easily,         without obstructing natural movement of the arms while swimming.     -   4. The device enables the user to roll over from a stomach down         horizontal (prone) position in the water to a horizontal,         on-the-back (supine) position. Likewise, the device enables its         user to roll from a supine to prone position. In addition, the         device enables a swimmer even to take a vertical position in the         water without any adjustments to the device or interference with         arm movements.     -   5. The device can be a one size fits all device that enables use         by persons, male and female, from age three to adult.

In accordance with the objects of the invention, a device having two laterally disposed buoyant bags, a front adjustable belt connected to both laterally disposed buoyant bags, and a rear adjustable belt connected to both laterally disposed buoyant bags. Together, the front adjustable belt and the rear adjustable belt encircle a swimmer's waist while worn attached by front and back adjustable belts. The buoyant bags could be inflatable or made from a buoyant substance such as polystyrene foam or wood. A first of the buoyant bags has a buckle or snap attachment that can be placed in the front for adults or in the back for children. A second of the buoyant bags can be adjustable and made not to detach. “Made not to detach” means that the second inflatable bag cannot detach during normal intended use and that the act of detaching would irreversibly alter the device until repaired by someone other than the user.

The device includes two, oval-shaped buoyant devices that may be inflatable or solid. The two, oval-shaped buoyant devices are deployed on a removable and adjustable belt circumscribing the body of the wearer. The buoyant devices are attached and positioned on the belt so as to remain on the sides of the body and in line with the long axis of the body, and maintain that position whether the body is in a horizontal position on the back, a horizontal position on the stomach or in a vertical position, without interfering with the free movement of the arms. The oval shape of the buoyant devices and the shape of the hinge that is responsible for attaching the buoyant devices to the belt are fashioned in such a way so as to resist torsion, assuring that the buoyant devices do not twist or turn and are always remain positioned in line with the long axis of the body no matter the orientation of the body in the water, i.e., on the back, on the stomach or in a vertical position.

Extensive testing of non-swimming children and adults has shown a significant shortening in the time it takes beginners to acclimate to the water and learn to swim compared to other devices and training methods.

The inventor observed that, with minimal instruction, persons wearing this device actually teach themselves how to feel comfortable in the water and learn to swim.

The shape and configuration of the device enable the device to be used as a training device in other branches of aquatics such as hydrotherapy and aquatic meditation. In addition, the device has applications as a training tool for aquatic sports like water polo, synchronized swimming, and snorkeling.

In addition to swimmers, the device can be used by pets, particularly dogs, to help the pet to swim.

The device can be combined and integrated with swimming apparel. For example, the device can be included in a bathing suit, ultraviolet protective clothing, rash guard, or wetsuit.

Other features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a learn-to-swim training device, the invention is not limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing from the invention and the equivalents of the claims. However, the construction and method of operation of the invention together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a top elevational view of a learn-to-swim training device according to the invention.

FIG. 1B is a top elevational view of the learn-to-swim training device shown in FIG. 1A shown with a buckle unbuckled and air valves in an extended position.

FIG. 2A is a top front right perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1A with the floats deflated.

FIG. 2B is bottom rear left perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a top front right perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1A with the buckle closed and the floats inflated.

FIG. 3B is a bottom rear left perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1B with the buckle closed and the floats inflated.

FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1A being worn by a swimmer in an upright position.

FIG. 4B is a front left perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1A being worn by a swimmer in an upright position.

FIG. 4C is a left perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1A being worn by a swimmer in a prone position.

FIG. 4D is a left perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1A being worn by a swimmer in a supine position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below and is shown in the figures of the drawing.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B show the parts of the swim training flotation device system 1. The swim training flotation device system 1 includes a first oblong shaped bag 10 and a second oblong shaped bag 10, each of which is inflated by mouth through a respective valve 11. It is the unique shape of the oblong shaped bag 10 and the way each oblong shaped bag 10 is attached to the belt 20 by hinges 22 that enable the user (who is not shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) while each oblong shaped bag 10 remains in a horizontal position, and also to assume a vertical position effortlessly and without each oblong shaped bag 10 twisting or preventing such movements. Hinge 22 includes two flaps 221 that connect to the respective oblong shaped bag 10 along seam 220. Belt 20 is threaded through eyes 222. Belt 20 has an adjustable length. Belt 20 includes dorsal belt segment 200 and ventral belt segment 201. Clip 23 adjusts the length of the dorsal belt segment 200, which ranges from nineteen to forty-one centimeters (19-41 cm). Ventral belt segment 201 is connected to hinges 22 by adjustable belts that connect to snap clip 23. Together, the ventral belt segments 201, once joined by clip 23 are also adjustable from a measurement of nineteen to forty-one centimeters (19-41 cm). Together, dorsal belt segment 200 and ventral belt segments 201 make the device usable for children and adults with waist or torso measurements from approximately sixty to one-hundred-thirty centimeters (^(˜)60-130 cm) circumference. Buckles 26 are used to cinch the belt 20.

Each inflatable oblong shaped bag 10 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material but may also be made of textile or other waterproof materials. Each oblong shaped bag 10 is created by sealing two identically shaped pieces 100 and 101 of the material, except that dorsal piece 100 has a valve 11. The edges of the two pieces 100 and 101 are heat-sealed, sewn, or otherwise fused together in an oval shape, leaving two seams 220 unfused as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B. While preferred size and relative dimensions are shown and described, the preferred size should not be read as limiting the scope of the invention to only those dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1B, the clip 21 includes a male clip part 231 and a female clip part 230.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the length of the seams 220 is longer than the width of the medial portion of the flaps 221.

FIGS. 4A-4D show the swim training flotation device system 1 when in use by swimmers 30. The inflated oblong shaped bags 10 lie at the sides 31R and 31L of a torso 32 of the swimmer 30. When the swimmer 30 uses the swim training flotation device system 1 and the swimmer 30 is actively swimming, the torso 32 rises to such an extent that the two oblong shaped bags 10 are lifted mostly (i.e. more than 50%) out of the water and offer very little or no impedance to swimmers motions of the arm 33 of the swimmer 30 or the directional progress as seen in FIGS. 4C and 4D. When in the vertical position, the oblong shaped bags 10 will be at the sides 31R and 31L of the torso 32 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The shape of each oblong shaped bag 10 and the shape and relative dimension of the hinges 22 by which the oblong shaped bags 10 attach to the belt 20, the swimmer 30 is able to rotate from a prone position (FIG. 4C) to a supine position (FIG. 4D) without any adjustment to the oblong shaped bags 10 or belt 20.

As the swimmer 30 gains confidence in the water, the amount of air in the oblong shaped bags 10 can be gradually lessened until the swimmer 30 has confidence to swim without the swim training flotation device system 1.

Unless otherwise mentioned the reference numbers are used consistently throughout the figures. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device to be worn by a swimmer during swimming instruction, comprising: a belt configured to be worn around a waist of the swimmer; a first oblong shaped bag being connected to said belt and extending outwardly from said belt; and a second oblong shaped bag being connected to said belt, extending outwardly from said belt, and opposing said first oblong shaped bag.
 2. A device to be worn by a swimmer during swimming instruction, comprising: an oblong shaped bag having a meridian; and a leaf for connecting to a belt segment, said leaf extending medially from said meridian, said leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: said oblong shaped bag has a length; and said hinge has a length equal to one half of said length of said oblong shaped bag.
 4. The device according to claim 2, further comprising a further leaf for connecting to a further belt segment, said further leaf extending medially from said meridian, said further leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian.
 5. The device according to claim 2, further comprising a belt segment for wearing around at least a part of a waist of the swimmer, said belt segment being connected to said leaf.
 6. The device according to claim 5, further comprising: a further oblong shaped bag having a meridian; and a further leaf being connected to said belt segment, said further leaf extending medially from said meridian of said further leaf, and said leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian of said further oblong shaped bag.
 7. A device to be worn by a swimmer during swimming instruction, comprising: a first oblong shaped bag having a meridian; a second oblong shaped bag having a meridian; a first leaf extending medially from said meridian of said first oblong shaped bag, said first leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian of said first oblong shaped bag; a second leaf extending medially from said meridian of said first oblong shaped bag, said second leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian of said first oblong shaped bag; a third leaf extending medially from said meridian of said second oblong shaped bag, said third leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian of said second oblong shaped bag; a fourth leaf extending medially from said meridian of said second oblong shaped bag, said fourth leaf having a hinge being connected along said meridian of said second oblong shaped bag; a first belt segment interconnecting said first leaf and said third leaf; and a second belt segment being interconnecting said second leaf and said fourth leaf.
 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said first leaf, said first belt segment, said second leaf, said third leaf, said second belt segment, and said fourth leaf form a belt configured to be worn around a waist of the swimmer.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said belt has a buckle and said buckle allows said belt to adjust to a circumference between sixty centimeters and one-hundred-thirty centimeters.
 10. The device according to claim 5, wherein said belt segment adjust from nineteen centimeters to forty-one centimeters.
 11. The device according to claim 7, wherein: said first belt segment has an adjustable length; and said second belt segment has an adjustable length.
 12. The device according to claim 5, further comprising: a first snap clip part being disposed on said belt segment; and a second snap clip part being disposed on said leaf, said second snap clip part complementing said first snap clip part and being releasably connectable to said first snap clip part.
 13. A method of adjusting the device according to claim 11, which comprises: placing said first leaf, first belt segment, said third leaf, said fourth leaf, said second belt segment, and said fourth leaf around a waist of the swimmer; tightening said adjustable length of said first belt segment and said adjustable length of said second belt segment until said first leaf, first belt segment, said third leaf, said fourth leaf, said second belt segment, and said fourth leaf fit snugly around the waist of the swimmer; and aligning said meridian of said first oblong shaped bag to be coplanar with a medial section of a torso of the swimmer while aligning said meridian of said second oblong shaped bag with the medial section of the torso of the swimmer. 